9 answers
Noah
Student
Elnora, IN
1
Question
Asked
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Advice for starting a card business?
I want to own my own card business like my dad because it seems like a fun well paying job. My main goal is if I do this I want to make more than enough to JUST pay the bills, because if you're making enough then the only other thing that matters is being happy with your job and lifestyle. Advice for hidden details and things I would need to look out for in this job?
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8 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Noah !
I'm sure your dad could probably be the best mentor and subject to Shadow for this career but I will give you some advice, although the word "card" can take on many meanings. I am going to advise what you'd need to do to have your own Printing Business in the future if that's what you're describing. It does sound awesome.
I would advise going to college for Business Management with a Minor in Desktop Publishing ( Electronic Composition ? ). One is a component that will teach you how to operate a business and the other will teach you how to use current printing processes. You may not find both at the same school, but Business is a common major so hopefully you can find the printing component at that same college, too.
You are on to something by thinking it's fun - it is - but let's talk about future money anticipation. We all start our careers because we had been strongly driven towards them and real success comes from not needing to know or worry about the money part, especially when you haven't even studied for the career yet. So let's take this in steps. Also remember that owning a company is an investment - equipment, supplies, renting or owning a work space, staff, payroll, utility bills, etc. Think about how old you'll be after college and since your father has a card business, you most likely can work there till he retires or he could help you in your venture. Some parents do hand over their business to their children at some point. If he doesn't retire when you're ready to start, he may make you manager till he hands it over to you. You never know.
When in high school, take some wood/metal shop classes which will help you practice fine motor skills. Also take any computer graphics classes if they are offered. Start learning about different bond paper and cardboard and start making some cards with a program you can find online or purchase a good card making software. You'll need to buy the card stock to print them on. At some point, I suggest buying and learning 3D printing so that you can offer that to your customers, too. It's quite an investment, but they sell small 3D printers too that you can start out with.
The subjects you could learn in college for this are Offset technology I and II, Flexography, Screen printing, Gravure technology, and Web offset technology, Printing material science, Paper and ink, and Printing machinery maintenance, Packaging technology, Continuous stationery and security printing, and Print management, costing, and estimation. Actually you can decide to major in the printing component and minor in the business segment. You'll know what to do as you become more informed.
I think everyone wants to know how much money they will be making 6 or 7 years from now, but that would be impossible to say. No one starts out knowing that. You'll have to want a business bad enough that you are willing to put your all into it. Businesses probably do well in major cities and you are in a small town with the nearest cities being Indianapolis, IN and Louisville, KY. You can reach a wide customer base by having a website on which people from all over could order from you. The more types of merchandise your business offers, the better you will do.
I hope this is pertinent to what you've asked. If you meant having a greeting "card" company, I still advise this but expand your product offerings and offer a lot more than just one thing. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Don't let the money part stop you - do the work you love !
I'm sure your dad could probably be the best mentor and subject to Shadow for this career but I will give you some advice, although the word "card" can take on many meanings. I am going to advise what you'd need to do to have your own Printing Business in the future if that's what you're describing. It does sound awesome.
I would advise going to college for Business Management with a Minor in Desktop Publishing ( Electronic Composition ? ). One is a component that will teach you how to operate a business and the other will teach you how to use current printing processes. You may not find both at the same school, but Business is a common major so hopefully you can find the printing component at that same college, too.
You are on to something by thinking it's fun - it is - but let's talk about future money anticipation. We all start our careers because we had been strongly driven towards them and real success comes from not needing to know or worry about the money part, especially when you haven't even studied for the career yet. So let's take this in steps. Also remember that owning a company is an investment - equipment, supplies, renting or owning a work space, staff, payroll, utility bills, etc. Think about how old you'll be after college and since your father has a card business, you most likely can work there till he retires or he could help you in your venture. Some parents do hand over their business to their children at some point. If he doesn't retire when you're ready to start, he may make you manager till he hands it over to you. You never know.
When in high school, take some wood/metal shop classes which will help you practice fine motor skills. Also take any computer graphics classes if they are offered. Start learning about different bond paper and cardboard and start making some cards with a program you can find online or purchase a good card making software. You'll need to buy the card stock to print them on. At some point, I suggest buying and learning 3D printing so that you can offer that to your customers, too. It's quite an investment, but they sell small 3D printers too that you can start out with.
The subjects you could learn in college for this are Offset technology I and II, Flexography, Screen printing, Gravure technology, and Web offset technology, Printing material science, Paper and ink, and Printing machinery maintenance, Packaging technology, Continuous stationery and security printing, and Print management, costing, and estimation. Actually you can decide to major in the printing component and minor in the business segment. You'll know what to do as you become more informed.
I think everyone wants to know how much money they will be making 6 or 7 years from now, but that would be impossible to say. No one starts out knowing that. You'll have to want a business bad enough that you are willing to put your all into it. Businesses probably do well in major cities and you are in a small town with the nearest cities being Indianapolis, IN and Louisville, KY. You can reach a wide customer base by having a website on which people from all over could order from you. The more types of merchandise your business offers, the better you will do.
I hope this is pertinent to what you've asked. If you meant having a greeting "card" company, I still advise this but expand your product offerings and offer a lot more than just one thing. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Don't let the money part stop you - do the work you love !
Jason Lee
Consulting
33
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Noah, reckon these are some things you should consider.
1. Reality Check: Fun vs. Work
Running your own card business can be exciting but also challenging. Beyond creating and selling cards, you’ll handle everything from bookkeeping to customer service. It might not always feel fun, especially with long hours and stress.
2. Costs to Know
Start-up: Inventory, equipment (printers, software), licenses, website, and marketing.
Recurring: Restocking, shipping, utilities, advertising, website fees, taxes, and insurance.
Plan your budget carefully to manage cash flow.
3. Work-Life Balance & Hidden Pitfalls
You’ll likely work more than a typical 9–5, especially at first. Watch out for customer expectations, competition, quality control, and seasonal sales swings. Keep your goal clear: earn enough to cover bills and enjoy your work and lifestyle.
1. Reality Check: Fun vs. Work
Running your own card business can be exciting but also challenging. Beyond creating and selling cards, you’ll handle everything from bookkeeping to customer service. It might not always feel fun, especially with long hours and stress.
2. Costs to Know
Start-up: Inventory, equipment (printers, software), licenses, website, and marketing.
Recurring: Restocking, shipping, utilities, advertising, website fees, taxes, and insurance.
Plan your budget carefully to manage cash flow.
3. Work-Life Balance & Hidden Pitfalls
You’ll likely work more than a typical 9–5, especially at first. Watch out for customer expectations, competition, quality control, and seasonal sales swings. Keep your goal clear: earn enough to cover bills and enjoy your work and lifestyle.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Noah!
WORK ON THE NETWORKING:- Network methods include: -
‣ Swap business cards ‣ Give out your business pamphlets at expositions
‣ Go to industry meetings ‣ Swap phone numbers ‣ Indeed, LinkedIn ‣ Join a network group ‣ Utilize social media ‣ Let people pick your brain at seminars answer questions ‣ Grow a database of new friends, and professional business contacts ‣ Join industry groups ‣ Attend conventions and conferences ‣ Send cold emails ‣ Set up informational interviews ‣ Offer assistance ‣ Attend group network events to introduce yourself ‣ Attend industry-related conferences ‣ Join online communities ‣ Participate in online forums ‣ Meet new contacts for coffee ‣ Reach out to potential contacts via email or social network sites ‣ Ask friends to introduce you to their contacts as a reliable person ‣ Stay in touch with former coworkers ‣ Go to shows with people
‣ Get invited to people's houses to have meals with them and watch movies and shows ‣ Hold public discussion groups ‣ Meet with Parents' and Teachers' Association Groups ‣ Have telescopes at an amateur astronomer's star party ‣ Get to know and talk to your local medical doctors ‣ Meet with neighborhood clubs ‣ Meet with local health action groups ‣ Join public speaking groups like Toastmasters and Zonta ‣ Meet people at a fancy restaurant, sit down, talk, have meals together ‣ Pay your waiter a tab and converse ‣ Give local schoolchildren a talk about your work so that they can follow in your footsteps and get a career happening ‣ Get to know therapists. GIVE PEOPLE VALUABLE GIFTS.
VOLUNTEER.
It will help if you are networking expert. Make your presence known to clientele over a wide area. The first consideration to look at is standing out from the crowd of marketers. You can do that first of all by visibility as an advertiser. A really good website is important for the utmost in customer experience. Even better if you learn how to program a website! Also prompt service is utmost, as is faithful renditions of client requests. Think of the convenience if a client can upload a .jpeg from a remote location and get cards within a week! If they can pay by credit card from the other side of the world even better!
GOD BLESS!
WORK ON THE NETWORKING:- Network methods include: -
‣ Swap business cards ‣ Give out your business pamphlets at expositions
‣ Go to industry meetings ‣ Swap phone numbers ‣ Indeed, LinkedIn ‣ Join a network group ‣ Utilize social media ‣ Let people pick your brain at seminars answer questions ‣ Grow a database of new friends, and professional business contacts ‣ Join industry groups ‣ Attend conventions and conferences ‣ Send cold emails ‣ Set up informational interviews ‣ Offer assistance ‣ Attend group network events to introduce yourself ‣ Attend industry-related conferences ‣ Join online communities ‣ Participate in online forums ‣ Meet new contacts for coffee ‣ Reach out to potential contacts via email or social network sites ‣ Ask friends to introduce you to their contacts as a reliable person ‣ Stay in touch with former coworkers ‣ Go to shows with people
‣ Get invited to people's houses to have meals with them and watch movies and shows ‣ Hold public discussion groups ‣ Meet with Parents' and Teachers' Association Groups ‣ Have telescopes at an amateur astronomer's star party ‣ Get to know and talk to your local medical doctors ‣ Meet with neighborhood clubs ‣ Meet with local health action groups ‣ Join public speaking groups like Toastmasters and Zonta ‣ Meet people at a fancy restaurant, sit down, talk, have meals together ‣ Pay your waiter a tab and converse ‣ Give local schoolchildren a talk about your work so that they can follow in your footsteps and get a career happening ‣ Get to know therapists. GIVE PEOPLE VALUABLE GIFTS.
VOLUNTEER.
It will help if you are networking expert. Make your presence known to clientele over a wide area. The first consideration to look at is standing out from the crowd of marketers. You can do that first of all by visibility as an advertiser. A really good website is important for the utmost in customer experience. Even better if you learn how to program a website! Also prompt service is utmost, as is faithful renditions of client requests. Think of the convenience if a client can upload a .jpeg from a remote location and get cards within a week! If they can pay by credit card from the other side of the world even better!
GOD BLESS!
Laxman methree
7
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Laxman’s Answer
If you want to start your own card business like your dad, here are the main things to watch out for:
Rules & licenses – Card businesses are highly regulated, so you’ll need approvals and to follow strict laws.
Money risks – You need enough capital to cover fraud, late payments, and cash flow issues.
Fraud & security – Card businesses are big fraud targets, so strong security is a must.
Partners – You’ll rely on banks, Visa/Mastercard, and processors—getting good partners is key.
Competition – Margins are smaller than they look; you’ll need something unique to stand out.
Customer trust – Service and security matter a lot; one mistake can hurt your reputation.
Advice: Learn everything from your dad (especially when problems happen), maybe start small with gift/loyalty cards, and build good financial and legal support.
Rules & licenses – Card businesses are highly regulated, so you’ll need approvals and to follow strict laws.
Money risks – You need enough capital to cover fraud, late payments, and cash flow issues.
Fraud & security – Card businesses are big fraud targets, so strong security is a must.
Partners – You’ll rely on banks, Visa/Mastercard, and processors—getting good partners is key.
Competition – Margins are smaller than they look; you’ll need something unique to stand out.
Customer trust – Service and security matter a lot; one mistake can hurt your reputation.
Advice: Learn everything from your dad (especially when problems happen), maybe start small with gift/loyalty cards, and build good financial and legal support.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Noah. Starting a card business can be both exciting and rewarding, especially if you're passionate about creativity and enjoy connecting with people through art and messages. Since your dad is already in the business, you're in a great position to learn firsthand. Still, there are some key things to consider before jumping in.
First, understand the different types of cards: greeting cards (for birthdays, holidays, etc.), trading cards, or even custom cards for weddings and businesses. Choose a niche that you enjoy and where you see a market. Your goal to make more than just enough to pay bills is great, just remember that achieving financial comfort takes planning, not just passion.
Hidden details to watch out for include production costs, licensing (especially if you're using artwork or quotes), and staying competitive in a crowded market. Printing and material costs can eat into profits if not managed carefully. Also, many people underestimate the importance of branding and packaging, your cards need to stand out visually.
Selling is another key challenge. Will you sell online, in stores, or both? Building an audience through social media can help a lot, but it takes time and consistency. Expect slow growth at first.
Another often overlooked factor is burnout. Even fun jobs become stressful when they involve running a full business, which include marketing, inventory, taxes, and customer service. Make sure you build a routine that keeps you creative but also keeps the business running smoothly.
Lastly, don't just focus on short-term money. Think long-term: building relationships with customers, evolving your designs, and maybe even growing into other product lines. If you stay creative, consistent, and smart with your money, you can build a card business that's both fun and financially solid. All the best!
First, understand the different types of cards: greeting cards (for birthdays, holidays, etc.), trading cards, or even custom cards for weddings and businesses. Choose a niche that you enjoy and where you see a market. Your goal to make more than just enough to pay bills is great, just remember that achieving financial comfort takes planning, not just passion.
Hidden details to watch out for include production costs, licensing (especially if you're using artwork or quotes), and staying competitive in a crowded market. Printing and material costs can eat into profits if not managed carefully. Also, many people underestimate the importance of branding and packaging, your cards need to stand out visually.
Selling is another key challenge. Will you sell online, in stores, or both? Building an audience through social media can help a lot, but it takes time and consistency. Expect slow growth at first.
Another often overlooked factor is burnout. Even fun jobs become stressful when they involve running a full business, which include marketing, inventory, taxes, and customer service. Make sure you build a routine that keeps you creative but also keeps the business running smoothly.
Lastly, don't just focus on short-term money. Think long-term: building relationships with customers, evolving your designs, and maybe even growing into other product lines. If you stay creative, consistent, and smart with your money, you can build a card business that's both fun and financially solid. All the best!
L D
Manager
36
Answers
Killona, LA
Updated
L’s Answer
Noah,
That’s a fantastic goal! Building a card business that’s both profitable and personally fulfilling is absolutely doable, especially if you’re drawing inspiration from your dad’s experience. One key tip for this type of business is to try to stand out. Be creative and try new things. Research your competitors and the current market trends. Also, use platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Pinterest to help market your products as well as analyze trends. You’ve got the right mindset. Keep it up!
That’s a fantastic goal! Building a card business that’s both profitable and personally fulfilling is absolutely doable, especially if you’re drawing inspiration from your dad’s experience. One key tip for this type of business is to try to stand out. Be creative and try new things. Research your competitors and the current market trends. Also, use platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Pinterest to help market your products as well as analyze trends. You’ve got the right mindset. Keep it up!
Logan Wilson
7
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Logan’s Answer
If you’re serious about starting a card business, a few key things to think about:
- Figure out if you want to deal in sports cards, trading card games (like Pokémon/MTG/Yu-Gi-Oh), greeting cards, or custom cards. Each market has very different customers, price points, and competition.
- Cards are relatively small, but inventory can add up quickly. Rare/trading cards require upfront investment, while greeting/custom cards may require design, printing, and packaging costs.
- If you’re selling collectibles, you’ll need to learn grading, spotting fakes, and building credibility. Buyers care a lot about authenticity.
- Decide if you’ll go online (eBay, Etsy, TCGPlayer, your own store) or physical retail. Online is lower overhead, but you’re competing with everyone. Physical shops can build community but require much more capital.
- Many people underestimate how small margins can be in this space. For example, buying boxes to resell often leaves slim profit unless you move volume or focus on singles/rare cards.
- Register your business, understand sales tax in your state, and plan for shipping, returns, and storage.
- Card businesses thrive when the owner genuinely enjoys the hobby. Hosting events, building relationships with collectors, and staying updated on trends makes a huge difference.
If you’re thinking long term, I’d recommend starting small online to test demand and learn the ropes before committing to a full-on shop.
- Figure out if you want to deal in sports cards, trading card games (like Pokémon/MTG/Yu-Gi-Oh), greeting cards, or custom cards. Each market has very different customers, price points, and competition.
- Cards are relatively small, but inventory can add up quickly. Rare/trading cards require upfront investment, while greeting/custom cards may require design, printing, and packaging costs.
- If you’re selling collectibles, you’ll need to learn grading, spotting fakes, and building credibility. Buyers care a lot about authenticity.
- Decide if you’ll go online (eBay, Etsy, TCGPlayer, your own store) or physical retail. Online is lower overhead, but you’re competing with everyone. Physical shops can build community but require much more capital.
- Many people underestimate how small margins can be in this space. For example, buying boxes to resell often leaves slim profit unless you move volume or focus on singles/rare cards.
- Register your business, understand sales tax in your state, and plan for shipping, returns, and storage.
- Card businesses thrive when the owner genuinely enjoys the hobby. Hosting events, building relationships with collectors, and staying updated on trends makes a huge difference.
If you’re thinking long term, I’d recommend starting small online to test demand and learn the ropes before committing to a full-on shop.
Yubirna Paulino
Art teacher
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Yubirna’s Answer
Hi Noah, my advice for your card business is you should get in the habit of promoting your card business, you should create business pages with Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok create a logo for your business and start advertising using those platforms ads tools. Start promoting your business card with those ads. I also recommend for you to set a store with esty or a personal website and direct your audience in your ad campaign to your store so they can purchase your cards, make sure you set up a PayPal if you haven't so you can receive your payment there. Wish you the best of luck.